Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 12, 2025 · Entertainment

Daniel Day-Lewis Returns: 'Never Meant to Retire' Ahead of New Film

Daniel Day-Lewis has insisted that he 'never meant to retire' ahead of the release of his first film in eight years (pictured in January 2024)

SHOCKING REVELATION!

Daniel Day-Lewis, one of Hollywood's most iconic and enigmatic actors, has just dropped a bombshell that will leave fans speechless! In an explosive new interview with Rolling Stone, the 68-year-old legend revealed that he never actually meant to retire from acting when he announced his shocking exit in 2017.

THE RETIREMENT MYTH BUSTED

In a new interview on Thursday, the actor, 68, reflected on feeling 'residual sadness' as his son, Ronan, 27, went on to make films while he 'walked away from it' (pictured in Anemone)

In a stunning about-face, Day-Lewis confessed that he was simply "intending on doing other things" and didn't mean to abandon the craft entirely. The news will send shockwaves through Tinseltown, as fans and colleagues alike try to make sense of this reversal.

A PRIVATE DECISION... OR NOT?

When asked about his decision to step away from acting at the age of 60, Day-Lewis' team had insisted that it was a "private decision" and refused to comment further. But now, in an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone, he has lifted the lid on what really happened.

As he returns to screens in Anemone, Ronan's directorial debut, he has now admitted that he just 'intending on doing other things' (L-R Rebecca Miller, Ronan, Daniel and Lena Christakis)

FEELING SAD AND ALONE

Day-Lewis admitted that he felt "residual sadness" as his son, Ronan (27), went on to make films while he walked away from the spotlight. "I had some residual sadness because I knew Ronan was going to go on to make films, and I was walking away from that," he revealed.

FAMILY AFFAIR

In 2017, Daniel famously delivered an Oscar-nominated performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's 2017 film Phantom Thread (pictured) and then withdrew from acting completely

But what's even more fascinating is that Day-Lewis' latest project, Anemone, directed by his own son Ronan, seems to be a heartwarming family affair. The psychological drama, set for release on October 3, features Daniel in the lead role alongside Sean Bean and Samantha Morton.

FROM ACADEMY AWARDS TO A NEW CHAPTER

Day-Lewis' last major film before his "retirement" was Phantom Thread (2017), which earned him an Oscar nomination. And now, he's back with a bang in Anemone, which explores the complex relationships between fathers, sons, and brothers.

THE SCREENPLAY AND THE CHARACTER

In an intriguing twist, Day-Lewis and his son Ronan co-wrote the screenplay for Anemone, which is rumored to be about an ex-soldier (played by Daniel) struggling with the aftermath of war. Filming took place in Manchester last October, and insiders are buzzing about this exciting new chapter in the Day-Lewis family saga.

A FATHER'S LOVE AND SUPPORT

When asked if he'd ever worked with his son before, Day-Lewis gushed: "It's lovely to get a chance to work with Ronan... I had no idea what it would be like, but it's been an incredible experience."

SO, DID HE EVER REALLY WANT TO QUIT?

In 2017, when he first announced his retirement, Day-Lewis' statement sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. He was quoted as saying: "This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject."

THE REAL REASON BEHIND HIS DECISION?

In an interview with W magazine just months after his initial announcement, Day-Lewis revealed that he felt "great sadness" about quitting acting. But in the new Rolling Stone interview, he's finally opened up about what really drove him to make such a bold decision.

THE COMPULSION TO QUIT

"It was something I had to do," he confessed. "I had an impulse, and it became a compulsion... Do I feel better? Not yet. I have great sadness. And that's the right way to feel."

SO, WHAT'S NEXT FOR DANIEL DAY-LEWIS?

As Anemone prepares for its release in October, fans will be eagerly awaiting Daniel Day-Lewis' next move. Will this be a new beginning or just a brief reunion with his beloved craft? Only time will tell.

This article is brought to you by The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com).